And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;
And Samuel said to the people, 'Don't be afraid. Yes, you have done all these wrong things, but don't turn away from following the LORD. Instead, serve the LORD with all your heart.'
Samuel is telling the people that even though they've sinned, they shouldn't give up on God but should wholeheartedly serve Him.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of 1 Samuel, the prophet Samuel is delivering a farewell speech to the Israelites after they have insisted on having a human king, like the surrounding nations, which was a rejection of God's direct rule through judges. This context follows God's selection of Saul as king, with Samuel reminding the people of their history of rebellion and God's faithfulness despite their sins. Samuel's words in this verse encourage the people not to despair over their wickedness but to continue serving God wholeheartedly as they move forward under the new monarchy.
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